The NHL board of governors has approved new rules for the NHL draft lottery that will help last-place teams but restrict perpetual losers from winning multiple lotteries, a source confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.

The rules will be implemented beginning with the 2022 lottery. TSN was first to report the approval.

Patrick Marleau is open to a trade from the San Jose Sharks, the 41-year-old forward told The Athletic.

"I wouldn't actively maybe look for it, but if it does happen or it does come, or a team wants me, that's something you have to seriously consider," Marleau said in remarks published Sunday. "Obviously, that's still my goal, to win a Stanley Cup. It would definitely be something to consider."

Marleau can became an unrestricted free agent after this season and said he'd like to continue his NHL career.

With their losing streak hitting 12 games, the Buffalo Sabres fired coach Ralph Krueger on Wednesday.

The Sabres have the fewest points in the NHL with 16. They sit in eighth place in the East Division, a full six points behind the Devils, who have two games in hand.

Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals have yet to find the "sweet spot" for his next contract, general manager Brian MacLellan said Friday.

Ovechkin, in the final season of a 13-year, $124 million contract (average annual value $9.538 million) he signed Jan. 10, 2008, can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. As he did in 2008, the 35-year-old forward is negotiating his contract without an agent.

"I don't really have an update," MacLellan said. "It's the same as it's been all year. We want him to finish his career here, and I think he wants to finish his career here, and at some point we'll get it done."

Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan didn't rule out goalie Henrik Lundqvist returning to the team this season after undergoing open-heart surgery in January.

"It would be pretty incredible if he was able to come back. I guess we'll see where he is at the end here," MacLellan said on Friday. "Probably unlikely, but I wouldn't rule it out with him."

The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and the National Hockey League have reached a historic and innovative seven-year television, streaming and media rights deal, taking the new partnership from the beginning of the 2021-22 season through the 2027-28 season.

Dallas Eakins received an endorsement as Anaheim Ducks coach from Bob Murray, and the general manager said he is trying to upgrade the roster, according to the Orange County Register.

The Ducks (8-12-6) are seventh in the eight-team Honda West Division and 2-5-3 in their past 10 games following a 6-5 overtime win against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. The top four teams qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"I've got total confidence in Dallas," Murray said in remarks published Monday.

Calgary Flames coach Darryl Sutter denied allegations made by former NHL winger Daniel Carcillo that he saw Sutter kick a player on the bench and mentally abuse another player who was suffering from a concussion during his time coaching the Los Angeles Kings.

Sutter was hired as the new head coach of the Flames on Thursday.

As the Buffalo Sabres struggle through another calamitous season, first-year general manager Kevyn Adams said that coach Ralph Krueger's status is being evaluated and that frustrated star center Jack Eichel has not requested a trade.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook announced Friday that his NHL career is over after 15 seasons.

"After several surgeries, countless hours of rehab and training to get back on the ice at the level of my expectations, it will not be possible for me to continue playing hockey," Seabrook said in a statement Friday. "This is what is best for me and my family."